There are so many things to consider when looking for an active adult community in Florida. From amenities to lifestyle options to home styles to nearby cities, it’s likely there’s a long list to check off before settling on the perfect community or home.
For some, one of the most important aspects is golf. Whether you’re a casual player looking to knock off a few strokes or a longtime golfer hoping to spend your retirement on exciting, challenging courses, Florida is an ideal place to settle. That doesn’t necessarily mean living in a golf course community though, as many communities without courses are located near some of the best in Florida.
Jacaranda Golf Club – Plantation, FL
Jacaranda Golf Club is a sprawling tournament course in Plantation. Featuring two 18-hole courses—East and West—it’s a favorite of many golfers in Broward County. Featuring dozens of Southeastern Florida’s notable small lakes and ponds, both courses offer their own challenges and quirks and a chance to play where many pros have. The East Course is home to longer fairways and more forgiving greens, allowing for full swings and less nuance.
The West Course features more hazards, doglegs, and tougher greens for more experienced players. Nearby communities include:
Lauderdale West
The Palms at Weston
Park Place in Pembroke Pines
TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra
As golfers know, a TPC course is always going to meet high standards, and TPC Sawgrass does it better than almost any of them. Located off the Atlantic Coast near Jacksonville, TPC Sawgrass includes two challenging courses. The Stadium Course is internationally known and hosts The Players Championship every May.
Golfers can test their skills against some of the best in the world while enjoying a pristine landscape and scenic views, including the legendary island green. TPC Sawgrass also includes the more accessible Valley Course, which has the same quality as the Stadium Course with less challenging holes.
Homeowners of the following communities all have access to TPC Sawgrass:
Artisan Lakes
Del Webb Ponte Vedra
Sweetwater
PGA National – Palm Beach Gardens
While many of Florida’s top courses are tucked away from cities or along a shoreline, PGA National Resort and Spa is right in the heart of the action. Located in Palm Beach Gardens, many active adult communities are just a short drive away. Besides a world-class resort with its own amenities, golfers can choose from five different courses at PGA National.
The main course is The Champion, which has hosted many professional tournaments, including The Ryder Cup. The other four courses are The Fazio, The Squire, The Palmer, and The Estate. These four are generally more accessible for the casual golfer and are designed by greats such as Arnold Palmer.
There are multiple residential communities in the area, including:
Hampton Cay
Sugar Sands
Century Village at West Palm Beach
Bay Hill – Orlando
Considered one of best courses designed by Dick Wilson, Bay Hill Club and Lodge is ideally located in southwest Orlando. There are two courses to choose from—the Champion and the Charger. The Champion, featuring 18 holes, is the main course that has been hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational for over three decades. The Charger is a 9-hole course and is ideal for a quick few hours of golf in a group or solo. Its location in Orlando places it near many world-class resorts, theme parks, and entertainment.
Bay Hill is also near several active adult communities, including:
Four Seasons at Orlando
Heritage Hills
Del Webb Orlando
Tiburón Golf Club – Naples
Tiburón Golf Club features two courses that were both designed by legendary architect Greg Norman. Both the Gold and the Black courses include championship tees, although only the Gold course has hosted LPGA events. Golfers of any handicap will enjoy both courses due to their variety and lush landscaping.
Located in Naples, the course is surrounded by many active lifestyle communities, including:
